Review Mizuno Women’s Wave Momentum 2 Volleyball Shoe – Unmatched Comfort & Stability Price $100

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $100-$140 (check latest price on Amazon)
• ⚖️ Weight: Approx. 10.4 oz (women’s size 8)
• 👟 Upper material: Nylon with DynamotionFit Bootie
• 🧪 Midsole material: MIZUNO ENERZY Foam, Mizuno Wave Plate, EVA Midsole
• Sole: Rubber
• 🏃‍♀️ Category: Indoor Court Sports (Volleyball, Pickleball, Badminton)
• 🎯 Best for: Volleyball players of all levels seeking supreme comfort and stability.
• ⏱️ Testing period: 4 months, including weekly league play and two multi-day tournaments.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

First Impressions & That “Sock-Like” Fit

Right out of the box, the Wave Momentum 2 looks sleek and purposeful. The Black/Silver colorway is sharp without being overly flashy, pairing well with any uniform. The first thing you’ll notice is the DynamotionFit Bootie construction. This means the tongue is fully integrated into the shoe, creating a single, sock-like opening. I’ll be real with you ladies, getting them on the first few times is a bit of a workout. You have to use the pull tabs and give it a good tug. Several Spanish-speaking customers noted this, saying they “cuestan un pico para entrar pero después te agarran como un guante” – they’re a bit tough to get into at first, but then they fit like a glove. And that’s the absolute truth. Once your foot is in, the fit is sublime. It’s snug, secure, and feels like the shoe is an extension of your foot, with no internal slipping or movement.

Court Feel, Cushioning, and Stability

This is where the Wave Momentum 2 truly shines and earns its reputation. Mizuno claims the MIZUNO ENERZY foam enhances cushioning and resilience, and they are not exaggerating. From my very first practice, the comfort was next-level. I have high arches and the start of a bunion on one foot, which makes finding comfortable court shoes a nightmare. I’ve tried over six different pairs from other top brands, and these are, by far, the winners for all-day comfort. The cushioning is plush but not mushy, absorbing impact from jumps beautifully without making you feel disconnected from the court. One of my teammates who has flat feet and uses inserts said these are the first shoes she can wear through a whole tournament day without foot pain.

The stability is just as impressive. The combination of the Mizuno Wave plate in the heel and the snug bootie fit gave me so much confidence during quick direction changes and defensive plays. I’m prone to rolling my ankles, but the shoe wraps around the ankle and provides a firm, supportive feeling that keeps you locked in. Whether I was making a quick cut for a dig or landing after a block, I felt completely secure. This sentiment was echoed by a former Olympic volleyball player who bought these for his high-level club player daughters.

A Major Flaw: Breathability

Now for the not-so-great part. Mizuno’s INTERCOOL system is supposed to reduce heat and humidity buildup. Unfortunately, this is the shoe’s biggest failure. The breathability is, frankly, awful. After a long, intense game, my feet were swimming. The shoe traps moisture, and as one user bluntly put it, they “smell worse than any shoe I’ve ever owned” after just a few months. This is a common complaint and something you need to be prepared for. Using a good shoe deodorizer and letting them air out completely is non-negotiable. The trapped moisture can also cause the material to get a bit stretchy during a long tournament day, which slightly reduces that locked-in ankle stability.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Based on my four months of intense testing and combing through community feedback, here’s the honest breakdown:

• Strengths:
  • Unrivaled Comfort: The MIZUNO ENERZY foam provides exceptional, long-lasting cushioning that’s a lifesaver for long tournament days. It’s a fantastic choice for players with difficult feet (wide, flat, high arches, bunions).
  • Rock-Solid Stability: The bootie construction and Wave plate combine to create a secure, stable platform that inspires confidence in every move and helps prevent ankle rolls.
  • Excellent Traction: The rubber outsole provides a fantastic grip on indoor courts, improving speed and agility without feeling sticky.
  • Versatility: While built for volleyball, many players report fantastic performance for other indoor court sports like pickleball, badminton, and even fencing.
• Weaknesses:
  • Poor Breathability: The INTERCOOL system fails to deliver, leading to sweaty feet and significant odor retention.
  • Difficult Entry: The attached tongue and bootie design make the shoe challenging to put on, which can be annoying.
  • Inconsistent Quality Control: Several users reported issues like receiving dirty or defective shoes, noticeable glue, and paint on the upper fading very quickly.
  • Sizing Confusion: There are conflicting reports on sizing, with some finding them true-to-size, many recommending to size up, and some receiving sizes that felt completely wrong.

Does Mizuno Deliver on Their Promises?

You know I love getting into the details, so when Mizuno made some pretty bold claims about the Wave Momentum 2, I had to put each one to the test. Let’s break it down honestly!

• Claim 1: “Unprecedented comfort and cushioning” with MIZUNO ENERZY.
  • Verdict: 100% TRUE. In my experience, this is the most comfortable court shoe I have ever worn. The cushioning is plush, responsive, and holds up through hours of intense play. My feet, and the feet of many other players I’ve talked to, feel noticeably better and less fatigued.
• Claim 2: “DynamotionFit Bootie construction offers a comfortable, snug fit and maximum stability.”
  • Verdict: MOSTLY TRUE, with a catch. The fit, once you’re in the shoe, is absolutely fantastic. It’s snug and delivers on the promise of stability. However, the “comfortable” part of getting it on is debatable. It’s a struggle for many. So while the end result is as advertised, the process isn’t for everyone.
• Claim 3: “INTERCOOL: Cool and dry… reduces heat and humidity build-up.”
  • Verdict: FALSE. I have to be blunt here, this claim does not match real-world experience. My own testing and numerous customer reviews confirm that the shoe traps a significant amount of heat and moisture, leading to sweaty feet and a serious odor problem.
• Claim 4: “Dura Shield: Protects toe from the damage of friction.”
  • Verdict: SEEMS TRUE. After four months of play, including plenty of toe drag on serves and defensive plays, the toe area is holding up very well. The material shows minimal wear, so the Dura Shield appears to be doing its job effectively.

My Overall Assessment

Category Breakdown

After four months of putting the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 through everything from casual practices to intense tournament play, I’m giving it a strong 8.2/10 overall. It’s a shoe with sky-high performance in some areas and some noticeable flaws in others. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Design & Aesthetics: 8.5/10 – They look sleek, modern, and professional on the court. The available colorways are stylish.
• Comfort & Cushioning: 10/10 – Absolutely best-in-class. The MIZUNO ENERZY foam is a game-changer for long days on hard courts.
• Stability & Support: 9.5/10 – The combination of the bootie fit and Wave plate provides incredible confidence for lateral movements and jumps.
• Traction: 9.0/10 – The grip is fantastic on clean indoor courts, allowing for quick and explosive movements.
• Breathability: 3/10 – This is the shoe’s biggest weakness. It traps heat and moisture, leading to a major odor issue.
• Value for Money: 8.0/10 – At around $100-$140, it’s a premium price, but for the level of comfort and performance you get, it’s a solid investment for serious players, provided you can live with the flaws. You can often find great deals on Amazon.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Let’s talk real value for your dollar. At up to $140, these shoes are an investment. But for a serious volleyball player who practices or plays multiple times a week, what you’re buying is foot health and on-court confidence. Think about it this way: if a typical season has 50 games/practices, that’s less than $3 per wear to have feet that aren’t aching and ankles that feel secure. Compared to other premium court shoes, the comfort and stability are arguably superior. If you prioritize comfort and support above all else, and you’re willing to take extra care with airing them out, then yes, they are absolutely worth the money.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2?

✅ PERFECT FOR:

• Serious Volleyball Players: If you’re playing multiple times a week in leagues or clubs, the comfort and support are game-changing.
• Players with Foot Issues: If you have flat feet, wide feet, high arches, or bunions, the forgiving upper and incredible cushioning are a dream come true.
• Athletes Prioritizing Stability: Anyone prone to ankle injuries will appreciate the immense sense of security these shoes provide.
• Other Indoor Court Athletes: Pickleball, badminton, and squash players looking for top-tier cushioning and grip will also love this shoe.

⚠️ CONSIDER CAREFULLY IF:

• You Have Low Tolerance for Hassle: If the thought of struggling to put your shoes on every time is a major turn-off, the bootie design might drive you crazy.
• You Are Very Sensitive to Smells: You MUST be diligent about airing these out and using deodorizers. If you’re not, the odor will become a real problem.

❌ LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:

• You Need a Breathable Shoe Above All Else: If you play in extremely hot gyms or are prone to fungal infections, the lack of ventilation is a deal-breaker.
• You Want an Easy, Slip-On Experience: The entry is tight and requires effort. There are other shoes with traditional tongues that are much easier to get on.

My Final Take

After four months in the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2, here’s my honest opinion: it’s a phenomenal performance shoe with one glaring flaw. The combination of cloud-like comfort and rock-solid stability is the best I’ve ever experienced in a court shoe. It genuinely improved my play by allowing me to move more confidently and end long days with happier feet. However, the terrible breathability is a significant issue that can’t be ignored. If you’re a serious player who values top-tier comfort and support and are willing to manage the odor issue, this is an outstanding investment for your active lifestyle.

Pro tip: Buy a dedicated, high-quality shoe dryer/deodorizer. It makes a world of difference in managing the moisture and smell and is worth the extra investment to protect your favorite new shoes.

Get the best price on Amazon: 👉 Click here to check current pricing and availability

Questions? Drop them in the comments below – I’m here to help! Stay active, ladies! 🏃‍♀️

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my testing and what active women need to know, here are the key questions about the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2:

Q: How do the Wave Momentum 2 shoes actually fit? Do they run small?

A: This is the million-dollar question! The community is divided. I personally wear a size 8 in most athletic shoes and found the 8 fit me perfectly once I got it on. However, there are many reviews stating they run small and recommending to go up a half size. One user who wears men’s sizes even ordered an equivalent women’s 11.5 and loved the fit. My best advice: If you have a chance to try them on, do it. If not, I would lean towards ordering a half size up, especially if you have wider feet or plan to wear thicker socks or an ankle brace.

Q: Are they really that hard to put on?

A: Honestly, yes, at first. The DynamotionFit bootie design means the opening is tight. You can’t just loosen the laces and slide your foot in. You have to use the front and back pull tabs and work your foot in. The good news is that it seems to get slightly easier over time, and the incredibly secure fit you get once they’re on is the payoff for that initial struggle.

Q: Can I use these for sports other than volleyball, like pickleball or badminton?

A: Absolutely! I saw numerous happy customers using these for other indoor court sports. One user called them the “best purchase” for badminton after struggling to find shoes with the right comfort and support. Another uses them for pickleball both indoors and out and loves the performance. The key features—great traction, lateral stability, and amazing cushioning—translate perfectly to any sport that involves quick cuts, jumps, and lateral movements on a hard court.

Q: How is the ankle support for someone who has had injuries before?

A: The ankle support is excellent, though it’s more about stability than a rigid brace. The shoe comes up a little higher than some court shoes and the bootie design really “hugs” your foot and ankle, creating a feeling of locked-in security. One player with a history of sprained ankles said the lateral support was “amazing” and gave her great confidence. They provide the stability needed to trust your movements on the court.

Q: How long will these shoes realistically last?

A: Based on my testing and the materials, I’d expect a solid season or two of heavy use for a competitive player. The outsole is durable and the cushioning feels resilient. However, some users reported durability issues like the interior fabric in the heel wearing out in less than two months or the exterior paint fading very quickly. I would say for the average active woman playing 2-3 times a week, you should expect to get a full year of great performance before the cushioning starts to break down, which is a decent lifespan for a high-performance shoe.

Q: What are the deal-breakers I should know about?

A: There are two big ones. First, the terrible breathability and resulting odor. If you can’t stand smelly shoes, this will be a problem. Second, the attached-tongue bootie design. If you have mobility issues or just hate struggling with your footwear, you might want to look at a shoe with a more traditional opening. These two factors are the main reasons someone would not be happy with this shoe.

Review Scoring Summary & Shoe Finder Integration

Alright ladies, after putting the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 through its paces for 4 months, here’s how I’m scoring it for our WordPress Shoe Finder system. These ratings come straight from my real-world testing experience:

🎯 Bottom Line Assessment

After all my testing, here’s who should grab these:

• Perfect for: Competitive volleyball players who need elite cushioning and stability to protect their joints through a long season.
• Great for: Active women who play other indoor court sports (pickleball, badminton) 2-3 times per week and want a comfortable, supportive shoe.
• Skip if: You absolutely cannot stand shoes that are difficult to put on or shoes that retain odor.
• Best feature: The MIZUNO ENERZY cushioning system. It’s a true game-changer for on-court comfort.
• Biggest limitation: The lack of breathability. It’s a major flaw in an otherwise fantastic shoe.